The way that we take care of our hair is something that is instantly reflected in how it looks. There are few things in life that are so immediately responsive to change as our hair is, and this can be both a blessing and a curse for those of us who are trying to look our best. This is because hair is such a fine balance and one that we’re learning new things about all the time. So, if your hair is looking lacklustre, limp, oily, dirty, or dry, the reasoning behind it may not always be immediately apparent.
Today, we’re going to take a look at a few of the basic things that you can try to bring your hair back from the brink. We’ll offer some tips that may cost you a little extra money and some that are just simple changes to switch up your routine.
Your Shampoo & You
Naturally, if you’re looking at your hair care routine, one of the first things you should look at is the product you’re likely using the most. Shampoo is fantastic for keeping your hair clean and oil-balanced, but as with any other product that’s used frequently, there’s going to be a big sliding scale regarding quality and usability. Certain brands, such as Keune hair products, offer wide, high-quality selections catered to certain hair types, but if you’re just going off what you have at your local supermarket, it may be causing some of your issues.
As we’ve seen with the growing “No-Poo” movement (yes, that’s the name they’ve gone with), some people are doing away with their shampoos altogether and focusing on other methods of hair cleaning. This is because there are a lot of shampoos that use irritating chemicals which can feel like they’re doing more harm than good, which is why those with sensitive scalps or those that have been experiencing difficulties with their hair should look into whether their shampoo may be the culprit.
Say Goodbye to the Tie
You’ve probably heard about this in recent years, but there’s a lot to suggest that tying your hair back regularly could cause damage, sometimes permanently. This is because the pull on your hair follicles can lead to breakage and hair loss from the root. Not only does this lower the quality of your hair through breakage, but it also means that new hair is less likely to grow in those areas. So, if you’ve been noticing some hair loss or some frizz that wasn’t there before, it might be time to put down the hair tie and start considering some hair repair options.
This isn’t to say that you need to completely abandon your hair ties altogether, just that having it as an essential part of your routine is likely putting unnecessary pressure on your scalp. If you need to tie your hair up for practical purposes, such as work, try going for a lower ponytail as this will put less stress on your follicles.
It Boils Down to Oils
The natural oils your scalp produces are made to keep your hair healthy and protected. However, they can also get to be a bit much when they’re left unchecked, which is one of the original reasons we started using shampoo. Unfortunately, this has led to some people’s hair going in the opposite direction and drying up. To alleviate this, the past few decades have seen an explosion in commercial hair oils on the market, which allow for healthier, silky smooth hair.
From hair masks that you can use before washing, like coconut oil, to leave-in varieties like argan oil, these oils are amazing for those that have lost some lustre to their hair due to overwashing or dyeing. Whatever the underlying cause of dry hair may be, a small amount of hair oil before or after washing will provide you with a fantastic, safe foundation for rebuilding and repairing your hair.
On that note…
On One, Condition
You should always be conditioning. Even if you’re not using shampoo, conditioner is a great way to keep your hair silky, free from dryness, and non-breaking. There are many people who focus on conditioning their hair above all else, and whilst the no-conditioner life may not work for those of us with exceptionally oil-prone hair, it is a nice break from a lot of the more harsh products we can end up sliding into our daily rotation. Smooth, frizz-free, protected hair is the game of conditioner, so if you want a strong foundation, pay close attention to the conditioner you’re using.
It’s not always easy to find the right products for you, but your hair is important, and it’s worth learning to take care of it. Hopefully, this little article has provided you with some ideas to look out for as you start your journey to a more manageable mane. Good luck!
